Day Zero Diagnostics, Inc. Company Profile

Background

Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Day Zero Diagnostics, Inc. (DZD) is at the forefront of infectious disease diagnostics. The company leverages whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and artificial intelligence (AI) to rapidly identify bacterial pathogens and their antibiotic resistance profiles directly from clinical samples, eliminating the need for traditional culture methods. DZD's mission is to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of severe infections, particularly bloodstream infections and sepsis, by providing same-day, actionable diagnostic information. This approach aims to improve patient outcomes and combat the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance.

Key Strategic Focus

DZD's strategic focus centers on developing rapid, sequencing-based diagnostics that deliver comprehensive pathogen identification and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles within hours. By integrating proprietary sample preparation techniques with advanced machine learning algorithms, the company targets critical conditions such as sepsis, where timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial. DZD's technologies are designed to be implemented in hospital microbiology laboratories, enabling clinicians to make informed treatment decisions promptly.

Financials and Funding

As of April 2025, Day Zero Diagnostics has secured over $49 million in venture capital funding and more than $18 million in non-dilutive funding. Notable funding milestones include:

February 2022: Completed a $21 million venture equity financing round led by Sands Capital, with participation from BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), Panacea Venture, Hongkou Capital, Triventures, and Golden Seeds.

September 2023: Raised an additional $16 million in financing to advance the development of its rapid diagnostic technologies.

May 2020: Awarded up to $6.2 million in non-dilutive funding from the Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (CARB-X) to support the development of rapid diagnostic systems for antibiotic-resistant infections.

These funds have been instrumental in advancing DZD's product development, expanding lab services, and preparing for commercialization.

Pipeline Development

DZD is developing a sequencing-based diagnostic system capable of identifying a broad range of bacterial and fungal pathogens and determining their antimicrobial susceptibility within less than eight hours. This system integrates:

Blood2Bac™: A proprietary sample preparation technology that enables ultra-high enrichment of bacterial DNA directly from clinical blood samples.

Keynome®: A suite of machine learning algorithms designed for accurate species identification and resistance profiling from whole-genome sequences.

The company is progressing towards obtaining FDA clearance and CE marking for its in-vitro diagnostic instrument and cartridge system, aiming to provide a comprehensive, culture-free diagnostic solution for hospital settings.

Technological Platform and Innovation

DZD's innovative platform combines several proprietary technologies:

Blood2Bac™: Enables the extraction and enrichment of bacterial DNA directly from blood samples without the need for culture, facilitating rapid sequencing.

Keynome®: Utilizes machine learning algorithms to analyze genomic data, providing rapid and accurate pathogen identification and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles.

MicrohmDB®: A comprehensive database that correlates pathogen genomic sequences with known antibiotic resistance and susceptibility profiles, enhancing the predictive accuracy of the diagnostic system.

These technologies collectively enable DZD to deliver rapid, accurate, and actionable diagnostic information, addressing the critical need for timely treatment of severe infections.

Leadership Team

DZD's leadership comprises experienced professionals with diverse backgrounds:

Jong Lee, MBA: President & CEO, Co-founder.

Miriam Huntley, PhD: Chief Technology Officer, Co-founder.

Doug Kwon, MD, PhD: Chief Scientific Officer, Co-founder.

Dekel Gelbman, MBA: Senior Vice President, Business Development & Partnerships.

Rene Robert: Vice President, Product Realization.

Melodie Domurad, PhD: Vice President, Clinical and Regulatory Affairs.

The Board of Directors includes:

Jeff Mirviss, MBA: Chair of the Board; President, Peripheral Interventions and Executive Vice President, Boston Scientific.

Peter Fitzgerald, MD, PhD: Managing Partner, Triventures.

Stephen Zachary, PhD: Managing Partner, Sands Capital.

Jong Lee, MBA: CEO and Co-founder, Day Zero Diagnostics.

Board observers include:

Nikos Pavlidis, MSc: Worldwide Vice President / General Manager Diagnostics, Becton Dickinson.

Deb Kemper, MBA: Managing Partner, Golden Seeds Ventures.

The Advisory Board features experts such as Dr. Patricia Simner, Dr. David Hooper, and Dr. Robin Patel, providing scientific and clinical guidance.

Leadership Changes

In October 2023, Jeff Mirviss was appointed Chair of the Board of Directors. Mirviss brings over 30 years of experience in operational leadership roles across sales, marketing, and general management. He currently serves as Executive Vice President and President of the Peripheral Interventions business unit at Boston Scientific.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The infectious disease diagnostics market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant infections and the demand for rapid diagnostic solutions. The global market for infectious disease diagnostics is projected to reach substantial figures by the end of the decade, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) reflecting the urgency and importance of innovative diagnostic technologies.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the rapid infectious disease diagnostics space include:

GeneFluidics: Develops rapid molecular diagnostic systems for infectious diseases, focusing on integrating biosensor technology with microfluidics.

Arc Bio: Specializes in metagenomic solutions for pathogen detection, offering rapid and comprehensive diagnostic tools.

These companies, like DZD, aim to provide faster and more accurate diagnostic solutions to address the challenges posed by infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

DZD has established significant partnerships to enhance its technological capabilities and market reach:

Oxford Nanopore Technologies: In November 2023, DZD partnered with Oxford Nanopore to develop an end-to-end diagnostic solution for bloodstream infections. This collaboration aims to integrate DZD's sample preparation and AI-driven analysis with Oxford Nanopore's sequencing technology to provide same-day pathogen identification and antimicrobial susceptibility profiling.

CARB-X: DZD has received substantial funding from CARB-X to support the development of rapid diagnostic systems targeting antibiotic-resistant infections. This partnership underscores the global commitment to combating antimicrobial resistance through innovative diagnostics.

Operational Insights

DZD's strategic positioning leverages its proprietary technologies to offer rapid, accurate, and comprehensive diagnostic solutions. By focusing on whole-genome sequencing and AI, DZD differentiates itself from competitors relying on traditional culture-based methods or limited molecular diagnostics. The company's collaborations with industry leaders like Oxford Nanopore and support from organizations like CARB-X enhance its operational capabilities and market presence.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, DZD aims to:

Commercialize Diagnostic Systems: Achieve FDA clearance and CE marking for its in-vitro diagnostic instrument and cartridge system, facilitating widespread adoption in clinical settings.

Expand Technological Capabilities: Enhance existing technologies and develop new solutions to address a broader range of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance challenges.

Strengthen Market Position: Leverage strategic partnerships and funding to accelerate product development, expand lab services, and establish a strong foothold in the infectious disease diagnostics market.

By capitalizing on its innovative platform and strategic collaborations, DZD is well-positioned to transform infectious disease diagnostics and improve patient outcomes globally.